Visual insights into high-resolution earthquake Simulations.

This study focuses on the visualization of a series of large earthquake simulations collectively called TeraShake. The simulation series aims to assess the impact of San Andreas Fault earthquake scenarios in Southern California. We discuss the role of visualization in gaining scientific insight and aiding unexpected discoveries.     

Hybrid Approach for Addressing Uncertainty in Risk Assessments

Parameter uncertainty is a major aspect of the model-based estimation of the risk of human exposure to pollutants. The Monte Carlo method, which applies probability theory to address model parameter uncertainty, relies on a statistical representation of available information. In recent years, other uncertainty theories have been proposed as alternative approaches to address model parameter uncertainty in situations where available information is insufficient to identify statistically representative probability distributions, due in particular to data scarcity. The simplest such theory is possibility theory, which uses so-called fuzzy numbers to represent model parameter uncertainty. In practice, it may occur that certain model parameters can be reasonably represented by probability distributions, because there are sufficient data available to substantiate such distributions by statistical analysis, while others are better represented by fuzzy numbers (due to data scarcity). The question then arises as to how these two modes of representation of model parameter uncertainty can be combined for the purpose of estimating the risk of exposure. This paper proposes an approach (termed a hybrid approach) which combines Monte Carlo random sampling of probability distribution functions with fuzzy calculus. The approach is applied to a real case of estimation of human exposure, via vegetable consumption, to cadmium present in the surficial soils of an industrial site located in the north of France. The application illustrates the potential of the proposed approach, which allows the uncertainty affecting model parameters to be represented in a way that is consistent with the information at hand. Also, because the hybrid approach takes advantage of the “rich” information provided by probability distributions, while retaining the conservative character of fuzzy calculus, it is believed to hold value in terms of a “reasonable” application of the precautionary principle.     

TAG-1 can mediate homophilic binding, but neurite outgrowth on TAG-1 requires an L1-like molecule and beta 1 integrins

Subsets of axons in the embryonic nervous system transiently express the glycoprotein TAG-1, a member of the subfamily of immunoglobulin (Ig)-like proteins that contain both C2 class Ig and fibronectin type III domains. TAG-1 is attached to the cell surface by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol linkage and is secreted by neurons. In vitro studies have shown that substrate-bound TAG-1 promotes neurite outgrowth. We have examined the nature of axonal receptors that mediate the neurite-outgrowth promoting properties of TAG-1. Although TAG-1 can mediate homophilic binding, neurite outgrowth on a substrate of TAG-1 does not depend on the presence of TAG-1 on the axonal surface. Instead, neurite outgrowth on TAG-1 is inhibited by polyclonal antibodies directed against L1 and, independently, by polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against beta 1-containing integrins. These results provide evidence that TAG-1 can interact with cell surfaces in both a homophilic and heterophilic manner and suggest that neurite extension on TAG-1 requires the function of both integrins and an L1-like molecule.     

Diffusion of monomers from bonding resin-resin composite combinations through dentine in vitro

OBJECTIVES: Previous work has demonstrated diffusion of the monomer triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) from resin composite through dentine in vitro. The objective of the present work was to examine monomer diffusion from bonding resins and resin composites used in combination. METHODS: Occlusal cavities were prepared in tooth crowns and restored with bonding resin-resin composite combinations. Aqueous samples from the 'pulpal chamber' of each tooth were removed at timed intervals for analysis by reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Bonding resins contributed to monomer diffusion. A TEDGMA-containing bonding resin used in combination with a TEGDMA-containing resin composite hastened and increased TEGDMA diffusion through dentine. A 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)-containing bonding resin used in combination with a TEGDMA-containing resin composite reduced TEGDMA diffusion only slightly compared with the resin composite alone and added substantial diffusion of HEMA. CONCLUSION: The bonding resins tested contributed to monomer passage to the pulp space and did not prevent movement of monomer from resin composites to the pulp.     

Symptomatic recurrent carotid stenosis and aneurysmal degeneration after endarterectomy

BACKGROUND: Aneurysmal degeneration of a carotid reconstruction was not recognized until the patient, who was known to have recurrent carotid artery stenosis, had a thromboembolic stroke. This sequelae of carotid endarterectomy is a serious complication, associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. This review was conducted to establish the risk of transient ischemic attack and stroke for patients found to have recurrent carotid stenosis associated with aneurysmal degeneration of the carotid artery after endarterectomy. METHODS: A case is reported, and 100 literature references of aneurysmal degeneration of the carotid artery after endarterectomy were reviewed. RESULTS: False aneurysm from anastomotic disruption was the most common presentation identified in the cases reviewed. Nineteen of the patients had a significant neurologic event; however, three (50%) of six patients with aneurysm and recurrent carotid artery stenosis had a transient ischemic attack or stroke. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of neurologic symptoms is markedly increased when recurrent carotid artery stenosis is associated with carotid aneurysm. During postoperative surveillance after endarterectomy, the identification of recurrent carotid artery stenosis requires evaluation for aneurysmal degeneration of the carotid artery with duplex scanning. These patients are at significant risk for transient ischemic attack and stroke. This rare complication merits operative repair.     

Cytotoxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon o-quinones in rat and human hepatoma cells

A novel pathway of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolism involves the oxidation of non-K-region trans-dihydrodiols by dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (DD) to yield PAH o-quinones whose cytotoxicity and genotoxicity are unknown. The cytotoxicity of several PAH o-quinones derived from this reaction [naphthalene-1,2-dione (NPQ), benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dione (BPQ), and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-3,4-dione (DMBAQ)] was examined in rat (H-4IIe) and human (Hep-G2) hepatoma cells which are known to express DD. 2-Methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione (menadione), a known cytotoxic p-quinone, was used as a positive control. Hepatoma cells (1 x 10(6) cells/mL) were exposed to PAH o-quinones (1-100 microM) for 0-4 h, and cell viability and survival were measured and related to O2.- production and changes in redox potential [GSSG/GSH and NAD(P)+/NAD(P)H]. Three different modes of cytotoxicity were observed: (1) NPQ (no bay region) and DMBAQ (methylated bay region) were as cytotoxic as menadione in reducing cell survival but had less effect on cell viability. These o-quinones adversely affected GSH levels and the redox state of the cell and caused an increase in the production of O2.- in cell suspensions. This cytotoxicity was not enhanced by dicoumarol (10 microM), a DT-diaphorase inhibitor, implying that this enzyme is unable to prevent these PAH o-quinones from entering one-electron redox-cycles. (2) BPQ (bay region only) was the least cytotoxic of the PAH o-quinones studied. BPQ decreased cell viability (< 40% at 20 microM) but did not adversely affect cell survival or the redox state of the cell.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The public's knowledge about psychologists and other mental health professionals.

A random sample of New London County, Connecticut, residents received a questionnaire about 9 mental health professions or professionals (MHPs): clergyperson, marriage and family counselor, nonpsychiatric physician, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse, psychologist, psychotherapist, social worker, and telephone crisis counselor. Respondents defined each MHP and reported their satisfaction with treatment, which MHP they would recommend, their referral source(s), licensure requirements, and fees. A mixed-design ANOVA was computed, with comfortableness as the dependent variable; age, sex, saw an MHP, and education, the between-Ss variables; and the 9 MHPs, the within-Ss variable. A significant MHP effect showed that physicians were perceived as slightly more comfortable than were psychologists (nonsignificant), who, nevertheless, were perceived as exceeding all other trained MHPs in the comfortableness experienced by their clients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Lactate clearance and survival following injury

Previous reports cite optimization of O2 delivery (DO2) to 660 mL/min/m2, O2 consumption (VO2) to 170 mL/min/m2, and cardiac index (CI) of 4.5 L/min as predicting survival. We prospectively evaluated 76 consecutive patients with multiple trauma admitted directly to the ICU from the operating room or emergency department. Patients had serum lactate levels and oxygen transport measured on ICU admission and at 8, 16, 24, 36, and 48 hours. Patients were analyzed with respect to survival (S) versus nonsurvival (NS), lactate clearance to normal (< or = 2 mmol/L) by 24 and 48 hours, hemodynamic optimization as defined above, as well as Injury Severity Score (ISS), ICU stay (LOS), and admission blood pressure. All patients achieved non-flow-dependent VO2. There was no difference in CI, DO2, VO2, or ISS when S was compared with NS. All 27 patients whose lactate level normalized in 24 hours survived. If lactate levels cleared to normal between 24 and 48 hours, the survival rate was 75%. Only 3 of the 22 patients who did not clear their lactate level to normal by 48 hours survived. Ten of the 25 nonsurvivors (40%) achieved the above arbitrary optimization criteria. Fifteen of the survivors never achieved any of these criteria. Optimization alone does not predict survival. However, the time needed to normalize serum lactate levels is an important prognostic factor for survival in severely injured patients.